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My client has been using formaldehyde-based keratin smoothing treatments. Will they see similar results with Cezanne?

Yes. Clients get very similar results to their previous formaldehyde treatments without the health risks. In some cases, frizz and curl reduction will be less than results achieved by the formaldehyde-based systems.

However, your client will enjoy several distinct advantages over other systems. Their hair can be colored on the same day, whether it’s before or after the treatment. Hair will still hold a curl, if the client desires. They can go right from the salon to the gym or the pool and can also wash hair, use pins or put hair up in a ponytail directly after the treatment. Your client leaves the salon with beautiful, healthy, manageable hair—no strings attached.

What are the active ingredients?

Cezanne’s proprietary formulation is a combination of ingredients including Sericin, a component of silk. In silk, Sericin acts as cement between fibrous filaments. It acts in a similar way when Cezanne is applied to the hair, bonding to natural keratin and cementing itself between strands of keratin proteins. It also contains keratin and gyoxyloylcarbocysteine. Unlike Carbocysteine systems you may be familiar with, Cezanne doesn’t have the unpleasant smell. Cezanne contains Glycolic Acid, which is a well-known exfoliant and moisturizer for the skin.

The treatment uses a revolutionary low pH system with a similar acidity to lemon juice to open the cuticle and infuse the cortex with a proprietary blend of Sericin, keratin, botanical extracts and vitamins, replacing lost and damaged protein mass. When heat is applied during the flat iron process, the cuticle is closed and the proprietary blend of healthy ingredients is locked into the hair, protecting and smoothing the hair from the inside out.

Will stylists see similar results from Cezanne when compared to formaldehyde-based keratin smoothing products?

Yes. Cezanne is easier, faster, safer and gives very similar results to formaldehyde-based formulas without the formaldehyde-related eye and respiratory irritations. Some stylists reported they will never do formaldehyde treatments again and adopted Cezanne as their flagship smoothing treatment.

Although some stylists will continue to use formaldehyde-based formulas, increasing numbers of stylists and their clients are requesting an alternative to this toxic ingredient. Stylists also like the distinct advantages including:

Ability to color hair the same day before or after Cezanne treatment.

Hair still holds a curl after treatment.

No waiting period, meaning the client can work out, swim, wash their hair, use pins and wear hair ties immediately after the treatment.

Does Cezanne give the same super straight results as a Japanese straightener or lye relaxer?

No. While it reduces frizz and delivers smoother and more manageable hair, it is not a lye relaxer or Japanese straightener and will not deliver identical results.

Are the results from Cezanne more like a Japanese straightener or a formaldehyde-based keratin smoothing treatment?

The results achieved are more like a formaldehyde-based keratin treatment without formaldehyde and the associated risks.

Does The Express Treatment give the same visual results as The Classic Treatment?

Yes. It will reduce frizz and deliver smoother and more manageable hair similar to The Classic Treatment, but it will not last as long.

When would I use Express instead of Classic?

The Classic Treatment is the platinum standard, will deliver the best results and last the longest. Express takes about half the amount of time to perform than the Classic Treatment does. There are some clients who may not want to pay the price for The Classic Treatment who want a great result at a more affordable price.

Express is great for the client that wants to get in and out of the salon faster or for the client that comes in frequently and would like a smoothing treatment on a more regular basis. It’s also ideal for quick touch-ups like taming baby hair, bangs or an unruly cowlick.

How soon can the client wash their hair, work out and wear ponytails or clips?

Unlike most smoothing treatments, clients can wash their hair, work out, wear ponytails or clips and use styling products immediately after getting a Cezanne treatment.

Can I use Cezanne Classic (Formerly Perfect Finish) and Express on all hair types?

Yes. Any hair type and texture—no matter how colored, bleached, highlighted or damaged—can receive Cezanne Classic Treatment. Cezanne can also be applied over other chemical treatments such as Japanese straighteners and relaxers.

Does Cezanne Classic (Formerly Perfect Finish) and Express work on kinky-curly hair?

Yes, it works great on natural/kinky-curly hair and can be applied directly over relaxed hair. For women who are natural or transitioning, it will reduce bulk, soften hair and define curl. Cezanne Express will reduce frizz and deliver smoother, more manageable results, but advise the Express client that it will not be as effective or long lasting as the Cezanne Classic Keratin Smoothing Treatment.

Does Cezanne damage the hair with repeated use, like formaldehyde-based keratin treatments?

Why didn’t The Classic or Express treatment last as long as it should have?

Here are some things that might have happened with the client who did not experience the same longevity as your other clients:

Treatment was not thoroughly massaged into the hair and/or coverage was not adequate. Be sure to comb through with fine-tooth comb to ensure complete coverage. Leave the treatment in the hair for 30 minutes.

Over-rinsing. You must leave residue in the hair, a little bit more than the “slip” you’d feel after a deep conditioning treatment.

Less-than-thorough blow-dry. Do a meticulous blow dry, per the directions: “Using a blow-dryer set on medium heat and high air flow, use a vent brush or fingers to remove excess water if dripping wet. Section hair and use a paddle or round brush to get hair as smooth as possible. Make sure the hair is 100% dry.”

Less-than-thorough flat ironing. Using an average flat iron heat setting of 380-410 F (193-210 C), take small sections, concentrate at the roots and meticulously flat iron until the hair is shiny. Remember that you need enough heat for each hair type and texture to get the silky, shiny, sealed result you’re looking for. Fragile, delicate hair may require less heat while stronger, coarse hair may require more heat.

Why did my client feel tingling on their scalp during the treatment?

The pH of the product is about the same as lemon juice and some clients might notice tingling if they have sensitive skin or abrasions on the scalp. Avoid aggressively scrubbing the scalp during clarification and apply the product 1/4” (6.35 mm) from the scalp. During the rinse, remove the treatment from the scalp by turning the water pressure down and concentrating the nozzle on the scalp.

Why does the color and texture of the treatment coming out of the bottle look different than last time?

Sometimes, a slight color and texture change happens over time or by the batch you receive. It may even appear a bit lumpy, but this is just the nature of the Aloe Vera when combined with our low pH small molecule technology. This is not a problem and does not impact performance. Remember to shake well before using.

Should I feel tingling on my scalp while the treatment is in my hair?

Some clients may notice tingling if they have sensitive skin or abrasions on the scalp, since the pH of the product is about the same as lemon juice. Avoid aggressively scrubbing the scalp during clarification and apply the product 1/4” (6.35mm) from the scalp. During the rinse, concentrate on removing product from the scalp by turning the water pressure down and holding the nozzle directly on the scalp.

How was Cezanne tested for formaldehyde?

One of the top testing labs in the U.S. performed the HPLC test on Cezanne Classic (formerly Perfect Finish) and found no detectable formaldehyde. Federal and state governmental agencies reference High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) in reporting related to formaldehyde. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published methods for testing for formaldehyde, including Method 8315A. These were the tests performed on the Cezanne treatment products.

Were the formaldehyde vapor analysis tests conducted in a salon setting consistent with test protocols of the National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH)?

Yes. An accredited independent laboratory tested samples taken in salons while stylists were using Cezanne Perfect Finish. There was no detectable formaldehyde in the samples.

Does Cezanne contain Thio?

No. Cezanne does not contain Thio and never will. Our proprietary blend of ingredients does not break the bonds of the hair.

Thio relaxers use ATG, ammonium thioglycolate, which is also used in permanent waving but at a much higher pH and concentration than what's used in permanent waves. It is usually higher than a pH of 10. These relaxers are also thicker with a higher viscosity or thickness, which makes for an easier relaxer application. Thio relaxers break the disulfide bonds in hair, similar to the permanent waving process. When enough of the disulfide bonds in the hair are broken, the relaxer is rinsed from the hair and the hair is towel dried. After towel drying, a neutralizer of some sort is applied to the hair. What vitamins and botanical extracts does Cezanne contain?

Yes. Glycolic Acid is a popular anti-aging ingredient used for years in the personal skin care industry. It enhances softness, protection and manageability.

What is Sericin?

Sericin is a natural protein produced by the silk worm, Bombyx mori. Sericin bonds very effectively to the natural keratin in hair and acts as cement between the strands of keratin proteins, protecting the hair and locking it into a smoother, straighter shape.

Does Cezanne contain Carbocysteine?

Yes, our ingredient list includes Carbocysteine but our process and technology is completely different from traditional Carbocysteine products. Cezanne is a next-generation treatment that delivers a much longer-lasting result of smoothness—minus the traditional unpleasant odor.

How does Cezanne compare to Carbocysteine (amino acid) treatments?

No comparison! You don’t get an unpleasant odor with Cezanne and the result is much longer lasting. Most Carbocysteine products wash out very quickly, sometimes in just weeks, and have a strong, unpleasant smell.

Does it smell bad, give off fumes or cause breathing difficulty in the salon?

No. The fumes are safe and will not present eye irritation or breathing difficulties. No mask or special ventilation is required.

If too much treatment is put on the hair or if the hair is not 100% dry before flat ironing, there could be some smell—this is not dangerous at all. Follow the directions for the rinse, making sure hair is 100% dry before you flat iron, and you should not have any odor issues.

In some cases, a slight smell may be present when the hair is wet post-treatment, which will disappear after a few washes. The smell can be minimized or eliminated if the hair thoroughly blown dry and not air-dried.

Can I curl my hair after Cezanne?

Yes. Although Cezanne delivers similar results as formaldehyde-based smoothing treatments, it does not make your hair flat and still allows you to curl and add volume.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children?

Although Cezanne contains no formaldehyde, carcinogens or dangerous chemicals, it is the company’s policy not to recommend any products to pregnant and or breastfeeding women or children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and elect to use the product or if you elect to use it on children, check with your physician first.

Does Cezanne break the bonds like a perm, relaxer or reverse perm?

No. When you break bonds, you permanently restructure the hair, which often leads to long-term damage. You also see a line of demarcation when the treated hair grows out. With Cezanne, there’s no line of demarcation—the treatment simply washes out over time. It improves the health and strength of the hair and does not break bonds like a perm, relaxer or reverse perm.

How do I explain the difference between Cezanne and other treatments to my clients?

Unlike formaldehyde-based keratin systems that simply coat the hair, Cezanne uses a revolutionary low pH (about 2) system with similar acidity to lemon juice to open up the cuticle and infuse the cortex with keratin, botanical extracts and vitamins.

When heat is applied with a flat iron, the blend of keratin, botanical extracts and vitamins is sealed inside the cuticle, protecting and smoothing the hair from the inside out.

Application Process

Do my client and I need to wear a mask with Cezanne?

No. You may see vapor when you blow-dry or flat iron, but this is primarily steam and does not contain any carcinogens. A large amount of vapor is not normal and is the result of too much product left in the hair or not enough blow-drying before applying the flat iron.

Is it more difficult to apply than formaldehyde-based keratin treatments?

No. Many stylists report it is easier and takes less time to apply.

Do I need to wear gloves when doing the treatment?

You do not need to wear gloves while applying Cezanne. You may want to wear gloves, however, since the treatment pH is about the same as lemon juice and may irritate abrasions on hands and cuticles.

How does Cezanne Classic Treatment work on virgin or coarse/resistant hair?

Since virgin or coarse/resistant hair is generally extremely resistant to all treatments, here are some tips that may help:

Place client under the dryer on low to medium heat while the treatment is in the hair, rotating the hair position every 10 minutes. If their hair is long, use a clip to put it up. Do not put a cap on the hair.

Rinse per instructions

Blow-dry the hair thoroughly, getting it as smooth as possible. Follow up with meticulous flat ironing, using very small sections until the hair is very silky. Increasing the temperature of the flat iron will get the silky result faster, but you need to make that decision based on the individual client and the health of the client’s hair.

How does Cezanne Express work on virgin hair?

Cezanne Express Keratin Treatment is easy to use on virgin hair. Follow these simple tips to get great results.

Place the client under the dryer on low to medium heat during the 15 minutes the treatment is in the hair, rotating the hair position every 5 minutes. Do not put a cap on the hair.

Rinse per instructions. Do not over rinse!

Blow-dry the hair thoroughly, getting it as smooth as possible. Follow up with meticulous flat ironing, using very small sections until the hair is very silky. Increasing the temperature of the flat iron will get the silky result faster, but you need to make that decision based on the individual client and the health of the client’s hair.

How important is it to completely saturate the ends of the hair with treatment?It is very important that all the hair is completely covered, but it’s especially crucial that the ends are completely saturated, since they tend to be the driest and most porous.

How important is it to do a meticulous blow-out after rising the treatment from the hair?

It is very important. Doing a meticulous blow-out and getting the hair 100% dry is the first step in sealing the treatment into the hair. The smoother the blow-dry, the less flat ironing will be necessary to get the silky, shiny results which is healthier for the hair.

Will an increase in heat give me better results and longevity with treatment?

No. Practice good judgment when using the flat iron. While increased heat and more passes may yield an immediate sleeker, shinier result, the high heat may affect the integrity of the hair. Increased heat may also impact lifting of color as you are adding that to a product with a similar pH to lemon juice.

Can I add a bond repairing product to a Cezanne treatment to make it even better for my client’s damaged hair?

We do not recommend adding anything to the Cezanne treatments as that changes the formulation and can cause unsatisfactory results. Cezanne is already a product that helps repair the hair strand from the inside out, making it stronger. If you use a bond repairing product with your client's color, we recommend not to color the same day as a Cezanne treatment.

Can I use Cezanne Classic or Express on hair extensions?

Yes, as long as the extensions are made of human hair and the bond is avoided during flat ironing.

Can I use a Cezanne treatment over previously permed hair?

Yes, but use caution when blow-drying and flat ironing the hair. The line of demarcation is delicate. You will most likely not need the average recommended temperature of 380-410 F (193-210 C). Start low and work your way up to a temperature where you will only need a few passes to get the hair silky.

I forgot to rinse The Classic or Express before blow-drying and flat ironing! Will that be a problem?

If you miss this step, don’t worry. Although it’s not recommended, there will be no damage and your client’s hair will be fine. It may take longer to blow-dry the hair and get it silky with the flat iron. You’ll also get more steam during the blow-dry and flat iron. The hair will feel heavier and won’t look as shiny as you want. If you forget to rinse, add one step at the end—simply wash your client’s hair after the service with the Cezanne Perfect Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner and style as desired.

Why does the hair feel gummy and difficult to blow-dry?

Most likely, you applied too much product during the application and consequently didn’t rinse quite enough. Too much product was left in the hair. Remember that very long, thick or coarse hair may need a longer rinse.

Will leaving too much product in affect my client’s hair?

No, this will not affect the condition of the hair or the treatment. It may, however, cause unnecessary color lifting if too much product is left in the hair. If you feel that too much was left as you are blowdrying, take them back to the bowl and rinse again. If you are finished with the treatment and the hair feels heavy or gummy, your client may need to wash their hair a few times before that heavy, gummy feeling goes away. They can wash immediately with Cezanne Perfect Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner.

Have I rinsed enough before the final blow-dry and flat iron?

The average rinsing time is 20 seconds to 3 minutes. The timing is determined by the length and density of the hair, and how much treatment has been applied. Leave some residue in the hair—a little bit more residue than the “slip” you feel when doing a deep conditioning treatment. You will get used to this very quickly. Leaving too much product in the hair will not impact the end result, but it will be harder on you and will take you longer to get the hair 100% dry during the blow-dry. It can also cause unnecessary color lifting.

What should I do if my client’s hair feels gummy and looks heavy after the treatment?

If you did leave too much product in the hair, you always have the option to take them back to the shampoo bowl, wash and style again. They also have the option of washing and styling at home and can do so immediately as there is no wait time to wash after the treatment.

Time/Cost

How long does it take to perform the Cezanne Classic Treatment?

Depending on the hair type, texture and length, it should take between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.

How long does it take to perform the Cezanne Express treatment?

Depending on the hair type, texture and length, it should take you about half the time of the full Classic treatment—around 1 to 1 1/2 hours—and around the same time as other express smoothing treatments in your salon.

How much should I charge for Cezanne Classic?

You should charge the same amount as other smoothing treatments in your salon. The average price in the United States is $250-$300

How much should I charge for Cezanne Express?

You should charge the same amount you charge for other express smoothing treatments in your salon. If you’re not doing any express treatments, you may want to consider charging about half of what you charge for a Classic Treatment, since the amount of product used and time of service is about half.

How much Classic solution should I use per treatment?

The “average” head of hair will take about 2 ounces (60 ml). Depending on hair type, texture and length, this amount will vary. Always start with 1-2 ounces (30-60 ml) in the bowl and add more as you work. Do not use more treatment than needed. If you see excess product on your comb as you comb the treatment through each section, you’re using too much product.

How much Express should I use per treatment?

A medium texture, shoulder length head of hair will take about 1 ounce (30 ml) of Express. Depending on hair type, texture and length, the amount used may vary. Always start with the minimum amount of 1 ounce (30 ml) in the bowl and add more as you work. Do not use more treatment than needed. If you see excess product on your comb as you comb the treatment through each section, you're using too much product.

Color/After Care

How soon can my client work out, use styling products and wear clips or ponytails?

Unlike most smoothing treatments, with Cezanne the hair can be washed immediately. There are no restrictions on working out, wearing ponytails or clips and using styling products.

Why is my blonde/white haired client’s hair slightly yellow after flat ironing? How can I avoid?

There is nothing in the product itself to turn the hair yellow, but blonde or white hair has been known to turn yellow for a variety of reasons. This could occur during the treatment and it may be outside your control. Causes could include type of color or treatments already in the hair, type of water, medication—even aspirin can affect hair color!

A flat iron that’s too hot can also cause problems with delicate white or blonde hair. Try starting at a very low temperature, even lower than the average 380 F (193 C). Simply adjust the temperature only to the point where the hair gets easily silky. If you see the hair getting yellow, stop and turn the temperature down. Silky is the key word. Once it’s silky, there is no reason to keep flat ironing.

Remember, you can always adjust color after the service if you wish. Blue/violet based shampoo or violet toner can reduce/eliminate yellowing.

Can Cezanne lift color?

As with all keratin smoothing treatments, there is a potential to lift color because of the heat involved with the process. Whether or not any color is lifted and how much color is lifted is a function of the particular hair or color type and condition as well as the temperature of the blow-dryer and/or flat iron. When coloring before the treatment, some stylists adjust the level of the color to allow for any lift that may occur. If your client has pink, blue, green, yellow or any other bright fashion colors, there may be a greater tendency for lift. You can eliminate the issues related to lifting color if you color after the treatment.

If color is lifted, can touch-ups be done after the treatment?

Yes. Their color be done immediately following the treatment. You may want to shampoo and condition the hair with Cezanne Perfect Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner prior to the color service to remove any remaining treatment residue.

Should I color before or after Cezanne?

Color can be done before or after the treatment. If color is done after the treatment, you eliminate issues of lifting color. However, if there is excess residue in the hair after the flat iron, you should wash the hair again before you apply the color.

If I’m going to color my client’s hair after a Cezanne treatment, what steps can I follow to make sure that the color is flawless?

• If you're coloring immediately after a Cezanne treatment, washing and conditioning the hair with our Perfect Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner will ensure that any left over residue from the treatment is gone. • If you’re dealing with grey or normally stubborn, resistant hair, you may need to adjust your developer up a level as our treatment seals the cuticle down tightly. • If you normally use a 30 or 40 volume developer, we recommend coloring before and adjusting the shade 1/2 to 1 shade darker to allow for the slight lifting that may occur.

What should I recommend to a client who likes to swim in the ocean or a chlorine pool?

You can swim immediately after the Cezanne treatment, but chlorine and salt water can dry the hair, so have them apply Cezanne Reboot Restorative Treatment or Perfect Moisture Conditioner before swimming and instruct them to rinse with warm water immediately after getting out.